Partnering with communities to combat wildlife crime

This year, Bhutan observed the second World Wildlife Day in Jangbi under Langthel Gewog in Trongsa. The Theme for day in Bhutan was “Partnering with Local Communities to Combat Wildlife Crime.” The celebration was graced by Dasho Paljor J. Dorji, the special Advisor to the National Environment Commission Secretariat.

With Funding assistance from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the celebration was organized jointly by Wildlife Conservation Division and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park under the Department of Forests and Park Services.

As a part of celebration, a drawing competition was organized for students of Jangbi Community Primary School on the theme, "Forests and My Village". Trough the drawings, the kids portrayed use of forest resources, diversity of life in the forests and community conservation efforts. The students also performed an open air skit on the implications of wildlife crime.

What stood out during this year’s celebration was the fact that the Monpa community, who are aboriginal Bhutanese were engaged. The Monpa community has been living in close harmony with nature since time immemorial.

The World Wildlife Day was declared at the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.